Airdrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep's Chris Tonkin will be participating in his second Alberta Ride to Conquer Cancer on Aug. 9 to 10. Tonkin has joined Team One Aim, a team of over 80 riders with a fundraising target of $600,000 in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Submitted/For Rocky View Publishing

The Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer in support of the Alberta Cancer Foundation is a grueling 220-kilometre, two-day bike ride through the Foothills and this year Airdrie Chrysler Dodge Jeep Business Manager Chris Tonkin is taking part for a second year in a row on Aug. 9 and 10.

“Last year we had one of our employee’s family members fighting cancer so we got a team together,” he said of how he became involved in the ride.

The ride follows a course that travels through Calgary, Bragg Creek, Priddis, Black Diamond and Okotoks.

This year Tonkin, who lives in Calgary, has joined Team One Aim, which consists of 80 people who are hoping to raise $600,000 for the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

“It’s the biggest team in the ride,” Tonkin said.

Tonkin set a personal fundraising goal of $3,000 for himself and as of July 29, he had surpassed that goal raising just less than $3,300.

“It feels great to have that good support,” he said.

“Everybody is behind the support for fighting cancer.”

The two-day ride will be split in half with riders camping out in Okotoks before continuing onto the second leg of the journey.

He said one of the great things about Team One Aim is that they have developed a wonderful sense of team camaraderie during the rides they do together every few weeks.

He said the biggest surprise for him in his first ride was the supporters along the way that would cheer them on.

“It’s mind blowing when you’re 100 kilometres out and you turn a corner and there’s people set up cheering you on,” he said.

For people wanting to cheer on riders, event information is available at ab14.conquercancer.ca

The opening ceremonies take place at 8 a.m. on Aug. 9 at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.

The funding directly benefit cancer patients and their families in communities throughout the province by supporting the work of area cancer centres including the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary. Last year’s event raised about $7.5 million.

“Whether it’s $20 or $200, everyone is willing to help and every dollar is appreciated,” Tonkin said.

To donate to Tonkin, visit ab14.conquercancer.ca select the “DONATE” tab and search for Chris Tonkin.

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